Question

with what diagnosis would you find wet, coarse crackles in the bases of the lungs on a physical exam?
pulmonary embolism
lung cancer
asthma
emphysema/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
heart failure

Explanation:

Wet, coarse crackles at the lung bases are often associated with fluid - filled alveoli. Heart failure can cause pulmonary congestion and fluid accumulation in the lungs, leading to such crackles. Pulmonary embolism typically presents with sudden onset dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain rather than crackles. Lung cancer may not primarily present with wet crackles at the bases. Asthma is characterized by wheezing, and emphysema/COPD may present with hyperresonance and decreased breath sounds rather than wet, coarse crackles at the bases as a main finding.

Answer:

E. Heart failure